Green Hydrogen Cost reduction Using Jolt’s Coating Technology
Here’s an article posted in Tech EU that talks about Jolt’s breakthrough in GH2 production.
According to the article,
- Barcelona-based start-up Jolt raised €6 million in Series A funding
- Led by Climentum Capital and Ship2B Ventures
- Jolt’s patented catalytic coating technology improves electrode production efficiency
- Goal: reduce cost of alkaline and AEM activated electrodes to 8% initially, then below 5%
Jolt’s innovative approach to electrode production for electrolyzers and fuel cells centers on their patented catalytic coating technology, which promises to enhance efficiency while drastically reducing costs and environmental impact. Here’s a detailed look at their process and its significance:
1. Catalytic Coating Technology:
Jolt has developed a proprietary catalytic coating that can be applied to the electrodes used in electrolyzers. This coating enhances the electrodes’ ability to facilitate the electrochemical reactions necessary for hydrogen production. Improved catalytic efficiency means that less energy is required to achieve the same amount of hydrogen output, thereby reducing both operational costs and energy consumption.
2. Cost Reduction in Electrode Production:
Electrodes traditionally account for a significant portion of the total production costs of electrolyzers:
- Alkaline and AEM (Anion Exchange Membrane) activated electrodes make up to 22% of total costs.
- PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolysis has even higher costs, making up 26%. Jolt aims to reduce these costs dramatically to 8% initially, with goals to lower them below 5% eventually. This reduction is expected through their efficient manufacturing processes and the use of less expensive materials, facilitated by their advanced coatings.
3. Environmental Impact:
The catalytic coating technology not only improves cost and energy efficiency but also significantly reduces the reliance on strategic materials, which are often rare and expensive. Moreover, by enhancing the efficiency of the electrodes, Jolt’s technology also reduces CO2 emissions associated with hydrogen production. These environmental benefits align with global goals for sustainable and green energy solutions.
4. Funding and Expansion:
The recent €6 million Series A funding round is a testament to the confidence that investors have in Jolt’s technology. This funding will support the construction of their first production plant and state-of-the-art laboratory in Barcelona. Such facilities will enable further development and scaling of their electrode production.
5. Market Impact and Future Goals:
The analogy made by Leon Rizzi, comparing the evolution of electrodes in the hydrogen sector to the impact of microchips in computing, underscores the potential transformative effect of Jolt’s technology. With lower production costs and higher efficiency, hydrogen could become a more viable and widely adopted energy source, potentially revolutionizing the green hydrogen industry.
Interestingly, we have some other posts related to this content:
Low-Cost Green Hydrogen Production: Harnessing Sunlight with Natural Catalysts: Swansea and Grenoble experts develop low-cost, mass-scalable catalyst efficiently producing green hydrogen from sunlight for low-carbon energy and fuels. Low Cost Green Hydrogen Production Using Membrane Technology by CSMCRI: CSMCRI’s membrane technology slashes green hydrogen production costs in India by half, with indigenous membrane costing Rs 3,000 per sq m.
